Know the signs that an aging parent needs more help
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Key Takeaways:
Recognize the signs that an aging parent needs help by assessing their physical health and safety, mental health, and daily living in the home environment.
Communicate the support available with empathy, respect, and a focus on your senior loved ones’ wishes and future plans.
Utilize caregiving resources and technology, like Greenlight Family Shield, to safeguard their well-being and help maintain their independence and quality of life.
Seniors today live longer and stay more active than past generations — and more are also living independently. Over the last decade, the number of older adults in nursing homes and assisted living has shrunk, according to the Population Reference Bureau. Of those under 85 years old, an increased number maintained their independence with home modifications or assistive devices to meet their daily care needs. Yet, many also needed help with mobility and self-care.
Older adults may not ask for assistance if they need it, and it may not be clear to their children or loved ones — especially if the changes are more gradual and not the result of an emergency, illness, or major diagnosis. By being aware of areas of concern, you can help them maintain their independence and quality of life while avoiding bigger problems with their health, safety, and finances.
Here are 8 signs that can help families recognize when it may be time to support their loved ones’ needs and proactively plan for the future.
Signs an older adult needs help
Some changes in older adults are part of the natural aging process. For example, they may move more slowly over time, occasionally forget or misplace things, or have reduced problem-solving ability. Here are areas to be aware of during visits with your loved ones, with specific examples and options for support.
1. Mobility problems
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Frequent unsteadiness
Difficulty getting up
Inability to walk usual distances
Falling or tripping
Unexplained bruising
Options to help: Schedule a mobility assessment with their healthcare provider, who can recommend assistive devices to support them in safely completing daily tasks, such as a cane, walker, or grab bars. Here’s an overview of mobility aids from American Family Physician. A provider also can help them understand limitations or caregiving needs. Balance and coordination exercises can improve mobility, and a physical therapist can help. Get more information from Health in Aging’s Caregiver Guide: Mobility Problems.
2. Health issues
Weight loss or gain
Poor diet
Forgetting medication
Loss of hearing
Options to help: Confirm regular doctor’s visits are scheduled to help ensure senior loved ones get proper preventive healthcare and to detect issues before they become severe. Help them set a routine for preparing meals and tracking medication. Discuss caregiving support options, such as in-home services. Get more information about types of common chronic health problems for older adults from the CDC’s Healthy 2030 initiative.
3. Hygiene changes
Disheveled appearance
Lack of grooming
Difficulty bathing or dressing
Options to help: Help them set a routine for daily care, and discuss caregiving support. Explore home modifications, such as shower chairs, grab bars, or raised toilet seats. Shop for adaptive tools for bathing and hygiene, such as bathroom utensil holders or long-handled devices, and dressing aids, like a button hook and zipper pull or toileting wand. Here’s common equipment from the Mayo Clinic.
4. Driving problems
Poor driving habits
Unexplained dents or scratches on vehicle
Traffic violations or accidents
Trouble judging distances in the dark
Options to help: Use technology to check on their driving safety for your peace of mind. Greenlight Family Shield provides driving reports with alerts and personalized insights, in addition to family location sharing with place alerts, SOS alerts, and crash detection. Work together to proactively discuss driving in the future and what to do when it’s no longer safe for them to drive. Alternative transport could include family support, ride-sharing services, or community shuttles.
5. Emotional changes
Social withdrawal
Mood swings
Depression
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
Options to help: Encourage them to share their feelings and listen with empathy. Explore local senior groups or hobbies and activities to encourage social interaction. Schedule a mental health consultation for evaluation and treatment options. Read more about mental and emotional health for older adults from the National Institute on Aging.
6. Cognitive changes
Getting lost
Forgetting important appointments
Confusion with familiar tasks
Trouble with speaking
Difficulty communicating
Options to help: Schedule a cognitive assessment — often included in wellness checkups for older adults — to check for problems with memory, thinking processes, and language. Early detection is beneficial for treatment. Brain exercises like puzzles and games, can improve memory and thinking.
7. Struggles with daily chores
Clutter or disorganization
Unkept house or yard
Laundry, dishes, or trash piling up
Unsafe conditions (such as leaving the stove on after cooking or keeping spoiled food)
Options to help: Assist with household chores yourself and/or create a support schedule for them with other relatives, friends, or neighbors. Assess their housing situation and discuss whether they need more regular, professional caregiving support. Use the home safety for seniors checklist on our blog.
8. Financial mishaps and concerns
Unpaid bills
Unusual transactions
Missing funds
Fraud attempts
Options to help: Set up financial protections like Greenlight Family Shield. Add a second (and third!) set of eyes on their accounts with alerts for suspicious activity, large transactions, low balances, and more. Help them spend safely with a debit card that has flexible controls and purchase protection. For more preventative tips, read about today’s financial fraud problem.
3 ways to support an older adult
Once you recognize the signs that your aging parent needs help with any Activities of Daily Living (ADL), it’s time to take action so that you can help meet their needs for additional care. Here is an ADL checklist from PBS.
First, ask them gently
Talk to your loved one about your concerns with empathy and respect. Let them know their well-being is a priority for you. To avoid sounding critical or demeaning, you could approach the discussion with a question, such as asking if they are having difficulty with a specific issue. Get started with these questions to guide the caregiving conversation with aging parents.
Discuss available resources
In some cases, older adults may need more support, such as in-home health aides, part-time caregiving, or new housing arrangements. Review the available options together, keeping their wishes top of mind while balancing independence and safety. Shared decision-making will build trust.
You can address other issues with simple lifestyle modifications or extra help. Talk about the next steps, including how to include family support and technology assistance, and plan for regular check-ins.
Family support: Communicate how you and other family members can help, like making appointments, arranging for mobility aids or medication management, assisting with household tasks, and safeguarding finances.
Technology assistance: Explore the digital tools available to provide support and keep families connected. Greenlight Family Shield is designed to protect your senior loved ones’ financial, digital, and personal safety with monitoring and protection.
Seek professional guidance or help
If your senior loved one needs more help, you don’t have to do it alone. Professional support can guide the process and help your family make informed decisions. Consider consulting a geriatric care expert [Aging Life Care Association] or conducting long-term planning with a legal or financial advisor. Learn more on our blog about eldercare, custodial care, and a breakdown of independent vs. assisted living.
Many nonprofits and government programs offer assistance for seniors. Here’s a roundup of the top resources, including how to find community services in your area (Administration for Community Living) and several support groups for caregivers. With a wide range of costs involved, explore multiple options to decide what’s best for your family.
The bottom line
It’s not always easy to know when your aging parent needs more help or what steps you should take. By being aware of these signs, you can support their well-being and quality of life as they get older.
Care needs can change over time, so it’s important to continue monitoring to determine if any changes should be made to their level of care. Engage with empathy and lean on the support around you.
Sign up for Greenlight Family Shield to protect your senior loved ones and their finances, so you can all enjoy more and worry less.
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